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DCMA Selects Craig Morgan to Lead Contracts Directorate
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Craig Morgan. DCMA’s former chief digital and AI officer has been named executive director of its contracts directorate.

The Defense Contract Management Agency has appointed Craig Morgan, most recently its chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, as executive director of its contracts directorate, effective March 22.

DCMA said Friday Morgan will lead DCMA acquisition efforts and oversee the development of policies and processes for contract administration services.

He will also guide the development of training materials, business platforms and the agency’s contributions to federal and defense acquisition reform.

Who Is Craig Morgan?

Morgan is a federal government veteran with over two decades of experience as a U.S. Army officer and a civilian.

He most recently served as DCMA’s CDAO, a position established in July 2023. In that role, he aligned the agency’s analytics, data and optimization efforts with the Department of War’s strategy to modernize infrastructure and strengthen defense readiness.

He has held multiple roles within DCMA, including contract administrator and contracts director.

What Does DCMA Do?

DCMA is a combat support agency that provides administration services for more than 300,000 Department of War contracts. It delivers hundreds of millions of items to the U.S. military each year and offers acquisition insights to inform DOW decisions related to the defense industrial base.

Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, assumed leadership of DCMA after being confirmed by the Senate in October.

In December, DCMA launched a five-year strategic plan as part of efforts to overhaul the agency’s operations to improve acquisition processes and strengthen the defense industrial base.

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Johns Hopkins APL Selects Former Navy Captain Vernon Parks to Lead Sea Control Mission Area
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Vernon Parks, mission area executive at Johns Hopkins APL. Parks will oversee Johns Hopkins APL's sea control mission area

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has appointed former Navy captain Vernon Parks as its sea control mission area executive. In his new role, Parks will oversee efforts to support U.S. Navy and joint service missions, Johns Hopkins APL said Monday.

“CJ’s operational insight, technical acumen and leadership make him exceptionally well qualified to lead sea control at this critical time for the Navy and the Joint Force,” APL Director Dave Van Wie stated. “His prior Navy service and deep understanding of naval and joint operations will be instrumental as we work with our partners to deliver innovative, mission-focused solutions to strengthen maritime deterrence, enhance survivability and ensure U.S. naval forces remain ready to meet emerging threats worldwide.”

Johns Hopkins APL Selects Former Navy Captain Vernon Parks to Lead Sea Control Mission Area

Navy leaders will discuss upcoming opportunities for the private sector to partner with the military to equip American sailors with the latest technologies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27. Reserve your spot now to gain insights and connect with decision-makers shaping the future of naval operations.

Who Is Vernon Parks?

Parks brings more than three decades of experience as a submarine and joint officer. During his military career, he commanded the USS Santa Fe and Submarine Development Squadron 12.

He joined APL in 2019 and was named program area manager for submarine warfare in 2021, where he led efforts in submarine security, stealth, sensors and tactical operations.

How Does APL’s Sea Control Mission Area Support Navy Operations?

Sea control is one of APL’s 13 mission areas. It focuses on delivering capabilities designed to project power on, under and above the seas. The organization develops technologies that enhance maritime awareness and force survivability and enable kinetic and non-kinetic effects to deter adversaries and support naval operations.

The laboratory has a long history of supporting Navy programs. It has contributed to the development of the AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, worked with naval partners on autonomy software for uncrewed surface vessels and deployed additive manufacturing systems aboard ships, such as the USS Bataan, to support expeditionary maintenance. 

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Navy Launches 5 More PAE Offices to Accelerate Capability Delivery
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John Phelan. The Navy secretary commented on the creation of five more PAE organizations.

The Department of the Navy is restructuring its acquisition enterprise by establishing five additional portfolio acquisition executive organizations as part of a push to reduce bureaucracy, accelerate capability delivery and align procurement with operational needs.

Navy Launches 5 More PAE Offices to Accelerate Capability Delivery

The Navy’s shift to a new PAE structure underscores the urgency of faster, more accountable defense procurement. Attend the 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 to join defense leaders and industry executives as they discuss naval modernization efforts and other developments shaping the service’s future priorities. Sign up today to secure your spot!

The Navy said Monday the move formalizes the PAE model as the service’s new acquisition standard and builds on earlier acquisition reform efforts, including the establishment of the DON Rapid Capabilities Office, or DON-RCO, and the creation of a PAE for robotics and autonomous systems in December.

“In a time where our warfighters are on the frontline and the nature of warfare is changing at a rapid pace, the Department of the Navy needs a warfighting acquisition system that better responds to those at the tip of the spear,” said Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.

“Every acquisition decision ties directly to deterrence, and if deterrence fails, decisive victory. With the establishment of PAEs, we are instilling a war-fighting mindset to accelerate delivery to the fight,” added Phelan, a 2026 Wash100 awardee.

Who Will Serve as Interim PAEs?

The Navy has appointed five senior acquisition leaders to serve as interim PAEs.

  • Christopher Miller — PAE Maritime
  • Lt. Gen. Eric Austin — PAE Marine Corps
  • Vice Adm. James Downey — PAE Industrial Operations
  • Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe — PAE/DPRM Strategic Systems Programs
  • Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher — PAE Undersea / DRPM Submarines

Each PAE will act as the single accountable official for their respective portfolio, overseeing program execution and associated acquisition functions.

What Is the Navy PAE Model?

Under the PAE construct, leaders are responsible for making trade-offs across schedule, performance and cost, with priority placed on accelerating time to field. They will also manage industrial base considerations, including supply chain risk, production capacity and supplier diversification.

“PAEs will have direct authority not only for program offices but also over associated technical, contracting, and sustainment functions, providing true cradle-to-grave control to deliver fully integrated capability,” said Jason Potter, who is performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, or ASN(RDN). “We are moving from a compliance-based bureaucracy to having outcome-focused organizations, fundamentally changing how we do business.”

Each PAE organization will include a dedicated rapid capability cell linked to the DON-RCO. These cells will focus on conducting rapid prototyping, integrating commercial technologies and accelerating fielding in response to urgent operational requirements.

“Each PAE will operate with a digital first mind-set – we will align on data and eliminate non-value-added layers of program reviews and bureaucracy to identify risks earlier and enable faster and more informed decision making,” said Vice Adm. Seiko Okano, principal military deputy to ASN(RDA).

The Navy is also continuing transition studies across aviation, industrial infrastructure, mission systems and munitions programs, with additional organizational updates expected.

How Does the Navy PAE Model Align With DOW Acquisition Reform Effort?

The Navy’s PAE model, which supports a key tenet of Phelan’s Golden Fleet initiative, aligns with the Department of War’s effort to transition toward a warfighting acquisition system by emphasizing speed, accountability and operational outcomes, while empowering leaders to make faster, data-driven decisions across portfolios.

The Department of the Air Force is also transitioning to the PAE structure as part of its shift to the warfighting-focused acquisition model. 

In November, the Army created six PAEs as part of an acquisition reorganization. 

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PNNL, NVIDIA to Integrate GPU Acceleration to Quantum-Classical Computing
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Quantum computing. PNNL has partnered with NVIDIA to integrate GPU acceleration to quantum-classical computing.

The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has partnered with NVIDIA to develop an open-source framework that connects open-source graphics processing unit, or GPU, acceleration to quantum-classical computing using the NVIDIA NVQLink platform.

What Is the Purpose of the PNNL Framework?

PNNL said Monday the framework is designed to expand access to advanced quantum research capabilities by lowering barriers for scientists and engineers. Announced at NVIDIA GTC 2026, the initiative enables more detailed exploration of quantum control and measurement than is typically possible through cloud-based services.

How Does the Framework Work?

The research team is integrating NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips with a field-programmable gate array, or FPGA-based measurement and control system. FPGAs are reconfigurable logic devices used in quantum instrumentation kits for fast signal processing. By linking GPUs directly, the system enables high-throughput computing with minimal delay, a critical factor for quantum experiments where timing and rapid data processing are essential.

How Does the Integration Support Quantum Experimentation?

Connecting directly to GPUs enables high-throughput computing to handle complex calculations while reducing delay. This close integration is important for quantum experiments, where precise timing and fast data processing are critical. The approach also offers a practical way to test and refine near-term quantum systems, with potential benefits for both scientific research and industry use.

PNNL project lead Sam Stein said the NVQLink platform, an open system architecture that integrates GPU computing with quantum processors, leverages high-performance classical GPUs to handle the intensive real-time computing demands of quantum processors.

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White House Launches Task Force to Combat Fraud in Federal Benefit Programs
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White House seal. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a new interagency body tasked with coordinating efforts to address fraud, waste and abuse across federal benefit programs, the White House said in a fact sheet published Monday.

What Are the Primary Objectives of the Task Force?

The order instructs the task force to lead a nationwide effort to combat fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs such as housing, food, healthcare and financial assistance. It will oversee stronger eligibility checks, introduce preventive pre-payment controls, identify emerging fraud risks and break up organized fraud schemes.

The group will also establish baseline anti-fraud standards, such as identity verification, documentation, risk management and auditing. Member agencies will create measurable implementation plans.

Who Will Lead the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud?

The vice president will chair the task force, supported by the Federal Trade Commission chair serving as vice chair. The assistant to the president for homeland security will act as a senior adviser while day-to-day operations will be managed by an executive director. Cabinet secretaries and agency heads will participate as members.

Building on Previous Anti-Fraud Initiatives

This task force builds on recent administration efforts to strengthen anti-fraud enforcement, including executive orders issued in March 2025 that expanded data access and enhanced the Treasury Department’s ability to detect improper payments. In January 2026, a new Department of Justice fraud enforcement division was also established to coordinate investigations and disrupt fraud schemes.

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NGA Seeks Industry Input for Mercury Contract Supporting GEOINT Systems
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NGA logo. NGA has issued an RFI for the potential Mercury contract.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has issued a request for information to identify industry partners capable of sustaining and modernizing mission-critical analytic systems supporting geospatial intelligence operations.

According to a notice posted by NGA on SAM.gov on Thursday, the agency intends to award a contract, called Mercury, to support NGA’s analysis mission and the Analytic Services Production Environment for the NSG program of record through lifecycle management of software, applications and data environments used across the intelligence community and the Department of War. Mercury is planned as a follow-on to the Chinook contract with a similar scope.

NGA Seeks Industry Input for Mercury Contract Supporting GEOINT Systems

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit, scheduled for April 22, will highlight how agencies like NGA are advancing modernization across mission-critical systems. Government and industry leaders will share insights on integrating AI, cloud and advanced analytics into operational environments, with discussions focused on sustaining legacy capabilities while accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies. Register now.

What Is NGA Asking Industry to Provide?

NGA is seeking contractors capable of maintaining existing analytic systems while rapidly integrating new and unanticipated capabilities as mission requirements evolve.

The agency is also requesting feedback on acquisition strategies that would support mission-responsive delivery, including contract structures that can accommodate changing requirements, emerging technologies and evolving mission priorities.

What Work Would the Mercury Contract Support?

According to a draft performance work statement, Mercury requires systems engineering and integration, software development, operations support, maintenance and cybersecurity, among other end-to-end lifecycle support services.

Work will support both existing and emerging systems, with an emphasis on transitioning new capabilities into operations, sustaining cross-project technologies and enabling continuous modernization across NGA’s analytic environment.

Mercury is expected to support a range of applications, including cloud-based data environments, computer vision tools and artificial intelligence-enabled analytic platforms used to process and analyze geospatial intelligence.

How Might NGA’s Mercury Contract Be Structured?

NGA is considering flexible acquisition approaches, including a potential indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with one or multiple vendors to support varying levels of demand and specialized expertise.

The agency is evaluating a performance period of at least five years, with work expected to take place at NGA facilities and contractor locations. The effort may require personnel and facilities capable of operating at high classification levels, including top secret/sensitive compartmented information environments.

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CDC Unveils AI Strategy to Improve Operations, Disease Detection & Response
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logo. CDC issued a new AI Strategy to advance public health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published on Friday an artificial intelligence strategy aimed at accelerating disease detection and response and enhancing public health operations.

CDC’s AI Strategy aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services’ plan issued in December to improve healthcare delivery, public health and human services, biomedical research, and agency operations through responsible AI adoption.

CDC Unveils AI Strategy to Improve Operations, Disease Detection & Response

Explore new federal AI use cases with chief AI officers from across government at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit this Wednesday. The event will bring together government decision-makers and industry innovators to discuss strategies and future plans for deploying AI across the public sector. Sign up today to secure your seat.

How Will CDC Use AI to Advance Public Health?

Covering fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the strategy identifies four pillars to guide AI deployment to advance public health. The pillars are: accelerating AI adoption to support public health, strengthening governance and public trust, advancing enterprise data platforms, and empowering an AI-ready workforce.

Under its first pillar, CDC plans to integrate AI into public health workflows to enhance prevention, detection and response to infectious diseases and emerging threats. The agency said it will also explore agentic AI systems to support adaptive automation, improve data-sharing and integration, and accelerate access to critical information.

To strengthen governance and public trust, CDC will implement risk-based oversight and ensure compliance with federal privacy and security requirements, including the Federal Information Security Modernization Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

To integrate AI into enterprise data platforms, CDC said it will invest in scalable, secure and interoperable infrastructure to accelerate scientific discovery.

CDC also aims to build an AI-ready workforce by expanding training, upskilling and recruitment efforts. The agency will work with partners to promote AI fluency across its workforce and establish best practices for training, governance and use of emerging technologies.

What Is CDC’s Guidance on Agentic AI Research in Public Health?

The AI Strategy follows CDC’s release of a new resource that identifies considerations for using agentic AI tools to support early-stage research and public health decision-making. The agency said agentic research tools can autonomously conduct multi-step research, analyze information from multiple sources and generate citation-based reports.

However, the agency emphasized that human oversight remains essential, noting that AI outputs should be reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, scientific integrity and compliance with privacy and security requirements.

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Navy Expands 5G Integration Across Platforms, Bases
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U.S. Navy logo. The Navy is advancing efforts to integrate 5G across platforms and installations.

The U.S. Navy is expanding efforts to integrate 5G technologies across platforms, such as small unmanned aerial systems and aircraft carriers, and installations to improve connectivity and communications capabilities across the fleet, Federal News Network reported Friday.

Navy Expands 5G Integration Across Platforms, Bases

The Navy’s push to expand 5G connectivity across platforms and installations reflects broader modernization priorities shaping the future of maritime operations. Join experts as they explore emerging naval technology initiatives and priorities at the 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27. Register now to take part in discussions.

Jason Fox, director of the 5G integrated product team, or 5G IPT, within the Department of the Navy Office of the Chief Information Officer, said the service has leveraged government, academic and commercial investment in 5G.

“What we’re doing within the IPT to grab a hold of that is we are building and prototyping with 5G technologies, and we’re working with commercial industry to acquire the products that they’re building and the services that they’re offering,” Fox told FNN. 

How Will the Navy Advance Ship-to-Shore & Ship-to-Ship Connectivity Using 5G?

Fox said the service has been “very successful” in testing ship-to-shore connectivity using 5G technologies and protocols. He noted that the Navy sees promise in a capability known as sidelink, a device-to-device communication technology included in the original 5G standards that enables direct connections without relying on network infrastructure.

Because sidelink has not yet been widely deployed commercially, the Navy is also exploring alternatives such as NATO-tested technologies and integrated access and backhaul systems that could support mesh networks between ships.

“Frankly, we’re still kind of working through that, what the alternatives are with using 5G for ship-to-ship,” Fox said.

How Is the Navy Expanding 5G Coverage at Installations?

The Navy is working to expand 5G network coverage across Navy and Marine Corps installations, including through private and hybrid networks to support bases in rural or remote areas. Fox said expanded coverage, such as at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, is helping support communications during large-scale training exercises.

How Do Other Navy 5G Efforts Support Fleet Connectivity?

The Navy is also advancing initiatives to strengthen secure 5G networks and improve connectivity for sailors. One effort known as Operation Shoehorn is testing a defensible tactical 5G network designed to support fleet operations and cyber defense capabilities.

Engineers at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic have developed a 5G technology designed to improve sailors’ quality of service.

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Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Lennox Assumes Command of Cyber National Mission Force
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Matthew Lennox. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Lennox assumed command of the Cyber National Mission Force.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Lennox has assumed command of the Cyber National Mission Force, succeeding Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock. 

The U.S. Cyber Command said Friday that a change of command ceremony was held on the same day at its headquarters in Maryland, with Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman, acting commander of U.S. Cyber Command, presiding over the ceremony.

Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Lennox Assumes Command of Cyber National Mission Force

The 2026 Cyber Summit, hosted by Potomac Officers Club on May 21, will bring together government and industry leaders to discuss national cybersecurity priorities, emerging threats and operational strategies shaping the cyber domain. Register now.

What Role Does the Cyber National Mission Force Play?

Tasked with safeguarding U.S. national interests, the CNMF conducts full-spectrum operations to neutralize adversary cyber threats and counter malign influence activities.

Lennox now leads a joint force of about 2,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel organized into 39 cyber teams operating across six task forces.

Who Is Matthew Lennox?

Lennox most recently served as deputy commanding general of Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber at U.S. Army Cyber Command, leading a team providing cyberspace support to U.S. Central Command, Africa Command and Northern Command.

Commissioned as a field artillery officer in 1997, he has held leadership positions from platoon leader to brigade commander and has supported peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and combat operations in Iraq.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology from Texas A&M University and master’s degrees in information security policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University and strategic studies from the Army War College.

What Comes Next for Lorna Mahlock?

Mahlock will assume the role of deputy commander at U.S. Cyber Command following Senate confirmation earlier this year. She led the CNMF beginning in January 2024, overseeing operations to strengthen the command’s cyber capabilities and address evolving threats in the digital domain.

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State Dept to Solicit Commercial Space Industry Input Through Roundtables
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Department of State logo. The department has asked commercial space stakeholders to participate in roundtable discussions.

The State Department is inviting representatives from the U.S. commercial space sector to participate in roundtable discussions and meetings focused on advancing U.S. leadership in space.

State Dept to Solicit Commercial Space Industry Input Through Roundtables

The State Department’s push to engage commercial space stakeholders on global policy and market access highlights the growing role of industry in shaping the future of the space economy. To learn more about the capabilities and opportunities shaping national security across air and space domains, join the 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. Reserve your spot today!

In a March 9 notice, the department said the discussions aim to gather feedback from commercial space stakeholders on how the U.S. government can strengthen the country’s leadership in the global space economy.

Interested participants must submit materials by March 23 to express interest in joining the discussions.

State officials plan to host the engagements between April 1 and Dec. 31, including sessions scheduled alongside major international space events. One of the primary venues will be the 2026 Space Symposium, scheduled for April 13–17 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

According to the department, the engagement effort supports an executive order that seeks to promote competition in the commercial space industry and another EO that calls for the return of American astronauts to the moon by 2028 to ensure U.S. leadership in space exploration, commerce and security. 

What Topics Will the Roundtables Address?

The State Department will host the sessions through its Office of Space Affairs, with participation expected from the Office of Space Commerce. During the Space Symposium, officials plan to organize two roundtable sessions focused on barriers and opportunities for domestic and foreign investment in the U.S. space economy and frameworks that could enable the development of a commercial lunar economy.

Additional discussions may address issues such as foreign market access, regulatory alignment and international best practices for commercial space activities.

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

The State Department is seeking participants with significant experience in the space sector who currently work for U.S. commercial space companies, trade associations or organizations involved in international space activities.

Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of international space law and regulatory frameworks, foreign policy considerations affecting the commercial space industry and strategies related to export markets, supply chain security and foreign investment in the U.S. space sector.

Selected participants may also request private meetings with the Office of Space Affairs and the Office of Space Commerce during the Space Symposium or other international events. Participants will not receive compensation for travel or participation.

Applicants must submit a 300-word description of their organization, a 500-word summary of the event request and discussion topics and a curriculum vitae to be considered for participation.

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